Overview
From the vibrant cities to the gorgeous scenery, this tour visits Northern Europe’s fascinating capitals with two-night stays in Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki. In each city, you’ll experience guided sightseeing of the must-see sights, including Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue and the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace, used by the Queen for official occasions; Oslo's City Hall, decorated with great Norwegian art from 1900 to 1950, and Frogner Park, where Gustav Vigeland created over 200 extraordinary bronze and granite statues; Stockholm's City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year; Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral, completed in 1852, and the famous open-air market.
A tour highlight is an overnight Baltic Sea cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki. You'll stay in first-class, outside, two-berth cabins with private facilities, and you'll enjoy a special Smörgåsbord dinner on board. This is just one of the out-of-the-ordinary experiences Globus includes to make your vacation unique. Another special treat is a Swedish food experience, where you can sample local specialties at some of the stalls in Gothenburg's indoor food market.
On this Northern Europe tour, you’ll also experience some of Northern Europe’s beautiful scenery. From Gothenburg to Norway, travel along the Skagerrak coastline with its many islands, granite rocks, and charming little fishing villages. Oslo is situated by a fjord and is surrounded by hills and forests. Take a ferry from Elsinore, Denmark to Helsingborg, Sweden, with great views of Hamlet's Kronborg Castle. Drive through Sweden's scenic Värmland, home to 10,000 lakes dotting the forested landscape, including Sweden's largest lake, Vänern.
Stunning scenery, tasty local cuisine, a Baltic Sea cruise, and fascinating sightseeing… all of this and more await you on this fantastic tour through Northern Europe's capitals.
UK - Copenhagen, Denmark
Day
1
Fly to Copenhagen where on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to Copenhagen! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Copenhagen
Day
2
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace, where you visit the elegant ROYAL RECEPTION ROOMS. Drive past the National Museum and the Royal Theater, and stop for pictures of Amalienborg Palace with its lovely flower gardens, and of the wistful LITTLE MERMAID. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, visit TIVOLI GARDENS (mid-April to mid-Sept.), the city’s colourful amusement park.
Copenhagen – Gothenburg, Sweden – Oslo, Norway
Day
3
From Elsinore beneath Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle, board your FERRY for Helsingborg. Then, drive to Gothenburg, Sweden’s thriving second largest city and admire its beautiful parks, botanical gardens, and well-kept canals during your orientation tour. The highlight is a visit to Gothenburg’s famous indoor FOOD MARKET to taste local snacks at some of the stalls. In the afternoon, continue along the Skagerrak coastline to Norway. Evening arrival in Oslo.
Oslo
Day
4
Today gives you a proper introduction to Oslo, the country’s hub of trade and industry. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the National Theater, considered the home for Ibsen’s plays; the unique Storting building, seat of Parliament; and the Royal Palace, residence of Norwegian monarchs since 1849. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s extraordinary sculptures; and visit the CITY HALL, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held each year. Interesting optional excursions are available.
Oslo – Karlstad, Sweden – Stockholm
Day
5
Trace the King’s Road, an ancient trade link between the northern capitals connecting Oslo, Stockholm, Turku, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg. Cross the Swedish border to scenic Värmland, beautifully described in Selma Lagerlöf’s Gösta Berlings Saga, on the way to Karlstad on Lake Vänern. Pass the ancient garrison town of Örebro and modern Eskilstuna, known for its stainless steel, and proceed to Stockholm.
Stockholm
Day
6
Stockholm is settled on 14 islands between Lake Mälar and the Baltic Sea. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Royal Palace; Riddarholm Church, a walk through the OLD TOWN, and the festive blue and gold chambers in the CITY HALL, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. Later, choose from our optional excursions to make the most of your stay.
Stockholm – Overnight Cruise to Helsinki, Finland
Day
7
Morning at leisure. Why not join an excursion to Uppsala? Later, board your ship for the overnight BALTIC SEA CRUISE to Finland, and enjoy a traditional Smörgåsbord dinner.
Helsinki
Day
8
Guided sightseeing of Helsinki features the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the monumental railroad station, the great LUTHERAN CATHEDRAL, the Olympic Stadium, and the SIBELIUS MONUMENT. Time to browse for souvenirs in Helsinki’s local arts and crafts OPEN-AIR MARKET.
Helsinki
Day
9
A full day at leisure offers the opportunity to join an exciting optional excursion to Tallinn, capital of Estonia, known as one of the “Pearls of the Baltic” countries. Tonight, dinner has been prepared at the hotel to celebrate the success of your tour of the Northern Capitals.
Helsinki - UK
Day
10
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.